50 Comments

Im so sorry for taking so long in replying. I have had trouble with something called default mail so hopefully it is OK now.
Cairnryan is across the Loch from Kirkcolm so we have not got any records that would help you, there is no church now at Cairnryan it is now a linked charge with Trinity/Inch in Stranraer the minister there is Rev John Birns & lives at the
Manse Stranraer once again I'm sorry for such a long delay Lesley

Hello, I thought I had posted a comment but am not always very good with the computer. My grand father, James Stevenson was a light house keeper at Kirkabister and Cairnryan. He was born Nov. 23, 1866 in Drummore, I believe information in the Kirkmaiden Parish registry. He passed away May 4, 1929 while light house keeper at Cairnryan. My father's notes say that he was "buried in old churchyard, Cairnryan, right off church path." I was trying to look up the church but didn't see one in Cairnryan and was wondering if it was your church when my grand father was buried.
It was interesting coming across your web site and learning about your Parish activities and an honour to be able to see the local life in your part of the world.

Apologies for not getting back to you sooner, but I have only just come across your kind comments. Our daughter and her family moved to Canada in 2004 and now live in Stonewall MB, so we have a connection and mutual interest.

However, having read your comments, I had a look at our old Baptismal Register for Kirkcolm Parish Church which goes back to 1882, and there discovered a few McHarg names, including a Mary McHarg, the daughter of James & Ellen McHarg [nee McConnell], and Annie M [could be, if I've read it right] McHarg. the daughter of John & Annie McHarg [nee Hamilton].

James, I believe [if I am deciphering the old style writing correctly] was a Sower - at Wellhouse at the time of Mary's baptism in the farm cottage there, and was previously at Barnhills and Stewarton when his other children were baptised - Gilbert [b.11.07.1882 - baptised at Barhills on 16.08.1882] and the very first name recorded in this Register, and Margaret J. [b.30.07.1885 - baptised at Stewarton on 18.10.1885].

There are also other McHarg children recorded, but these belong to James & Christina McHarg [nee Patts} and Andrew & Jane McHarg [nee Chesney].

Of course, all this may already be known to you, or may not apply at all. Nonetheless, it's good to look back over the records from time to time, and if I don't share what I am privy to be responsible for what's the point of having them!

I found your website in doing some research of my Scottish ancestors. Turns out my great-grandmother (Annie Mary McHarg) is from your area (Kirkholm) and I believe married was married in your church in about 1901. She then emigrated to Canada with her family (where I live) just a few years later. I was just excited to see how lovely your church was and wished to leave a note in the guestbook to hopefully connect with some distant relatives.

I was just in Scotland a month ago, but sadly did not have the info I have now about my where my ancestors lived - I certainly hope to come back in a few years and visit your church!

would you help me I'm trying to find a James Stewart travelling tinsmith with his wife Ann or Annie Stewart M.S. Keith, The names Stewart comes from the stewart's of Gollway so if any one can tell me of any James Stewart a tinsmith or a Solider let me know from James Stewart.

erviekirkcolmchurch says...Hi James,
Well I have just tracked my freind down she is hard to catch in.
We think we may have done some research on the Kerr's already and will see what we have' but we do know the Kerr's of your family have died out in this area I am sorry to say.
The Joan in Australia is she Joan McColm, if so have you read the Parish News on our web site.
Would it be Ok to e-mail you direct as I live in one of the Kirminnoch Cottages and I could send you some photo's
Lesley

We would very much enjoy hearing from you. I have been reading the notes at your site that Joan McColl has posted. I have not seen a response yet to an e-mail that was sent to her address. Due to her thoughtfulness in the posting at your site, I now have located the records for several of Stair Kerr Sr. Sons and daughters. Since I last wrote to you, I found records for three more of James Kerr's siblings. (three more to go.) Joni and I look forward to your e-mail. How old are the cottages? Best Wishes! James and Joni Kerr

Hi James,
Well I have just tracked my freind down she is hard to catch in.
We think we may have done some reserch on the Kerr's already and will see what we have' but we do know the Kerr's of your family have died out in this area I am sorry to say.
The Joan in Australia is she Joan McColm, if so have you read the Parish News on our web site.
Would it be Ok to e-mail you direct as I live in one of the Kirminnoch Cottages and I could send you some photo's
Lesley

Hello Lesley,
I have been researching Stair Kerr's story. He and Jennet (Withers) Kerr had many children: Stair, who married in Scotland and immigrated to Australia, Neven and William (the twins), James ( My great, great grandfather), Peter,(these four brothers all listed in the history of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania) and John, Jean and Jessie. I know I am missing a few. six to be exact. Stair and Jennet lived on a farm in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. The online record for James Kerr of Armstrong county suggests 14 children to Stair and Jennet. I am trying to learn more concerning Kirminnoch farm. Also, I hope to learn if any of Stair and Jennet Kerr's children remained in Scotland. Apparently Kirmiinnoch was where the Kerrs had lived before leaving for America. The account in James Kerr of Armstrong county describes Stair Kerr as a " supervisor of farms." I am unclear as to the meaning of that title. Stair and Jennet were apparently listed in the 1841 census in Wigtownshire. My wife, Joni and I are interested in the Kerr history at Kirminnoch. We appreciate your thoughtfulness in responding to our initial query. I sent an e-mail to Joan, who is certainly an Australian cousin. Joni and I enjoy seeing the pictures in the Photo gallery that suggest the life at Kirkcolm. Best Wishes from Wauseon, Ohio!
Jim and Joni Kerr

Dear James.
I think I may have come across the twins before, I will have to check with a friend and will get back to you.
I hope you do get to visit us someday, let us know if you do.
It suprises me how many people went to the States all those years ago from such a small Village.
If I find out anything I will get back to you.
God Bless
Lesley